Former US Open finalist Madison Keys has revealed that she struggled with an eating disorder for two years as a teenager.
Keys, who is currently ranked 17th in the world, spoke out about her previous struggles in a post for Behind The Racket. An Instagram account set up by Noah Rubin that tells personal stories of players on the tour. Shedding light on the issue, Keys said at one point she was eating three 100 calorie bars a day because she felt pressure to lose weight.
“When I was fifteen, I had an eating disorder. There were people in my life and others who would see me on tv, that would tell me I was fat, or needed to lose a few pounds. Eventually, that truly got into my head.” She said.
Struggling with her eating disorder, Keys also experience depression growing up. Saying she felt isolated from those close to her because she was hiding her problems from them. During that same time the American was starting to break out on the tour. At the age of 14 she won her first WTA match at the Ponte Vedra Beach Championships. She then made her grand slam debut at the age of 16 at the 2011 US Open.
“I struggled with this problem for almost two years, which led to some issues with depression.” She revealed.
“I completely shut my friends and mom out of my life. I felt like I put this mask on to get through each day, hoping no one would ask how or what I was doing. I became super paranoid because I wanted to keep it all a secret and didn’t want anyone to worry.”
Now aged 24, Keys says she has a ‘more healthy relationship’ with food. At present she has three titles on the WTA Tour and has recorded 15 wins over top 10 players. She has been ranked as high as seventh in the world.
“I decided that I needed to get control of my eating. It took some time to get myself to open up to people again. It’s something I still struggle with when I get stressed or upset, but I have a much healthier relationship with food now.” Keys concluded.
It is rare that a tennis player opens up about their battle with eating disorders. Monica Seles is the most high profile to do so after speaking publicly about her past problems with binge eating.
Keys have played in two events so far this year. At the Australian Open she reached the fourth round before losing to Elina Svitolina. She also featured in her country’s Fed Cup tie again Australia, winning one out of her two matches.
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